The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • BUA Cement, CMBI ink deal for $240m project

    BUA Cement, CMBI ink deal for $240m project

    BUA Cement Plc and Sokoto Portland Limestone Cement have signed an agreement with CBMI to build a new ultra-modern 3-million-ton-per-annum cement line in Sokoto.

    According to a statement by the companies, the deal marks a major milestone in their expansion drive and reflects  commitment to meeting Nigeria’s growing infrastructure needs.

    The $240 million project, including the new cement line, power plant, and other key facilities, will significantly increase BUA Cement’s production capacity, bringing its total annual capacity to 20 million tons when completed and strengthening regional supply.

    The agreement   builds on BUA Cement’s 15-year collaboration with CBMI, during which CBMI successfully delivered cement production lines totaling 14 million tons across BUA’s factories in Obu (Edo) and Sokoto.

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    The Sokoto plant, the statement added, is strategically located as the only cement plant in Nigeria’s North-West, providing easy access to several landlocked neighboring countries.

    It reads: “This location enables BUA Cement to serve both domestic and regional markets efficiently, ensuring high-quality Nigerian cement reaches new communities and critical infrastructure projects.

    “In parallel, the BUA 700-ton-per-day mini LNG plant in Kogi, scheduled for completion later this year, will supply clean, reliable energy to power the new Sokoto line as well as existing lines, improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and supporting sustainable industrial growth.

    :” This investment comes at a transformative time for Nigeria. The bold reforms introduced by Mr. President have made it easier to establish and operate factories while stimulating demand for infrastructure and construction projects.

    “These reforms create a favorable environment for industrial growth, and BUA Cement is proud to contribute to the nation’s development by expanding capacity, creating jobs, and supporting critical infrastructure.

    “With completion of the Sokoto line targeted in 20 months, BUA Cement is excited about the opportunities ahead and confident that this project will strengthen its position as a leader in the Nigerian cement industry and across the region.”

  • Murtala Muhammed Foundation set to mark 50th anniversary

    Murtala Muhammed Foundation set to mark 50th anniversary

    The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) has said it will hold a series of national and international activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (GCFR).

    General Muhammed was assassinated on Friday, February 13, 1976 in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The golden anniversary offers a moment of national reflection on the enduring legacy of a leader whose brief but transformative tenure redefined governance, restored discipline in the civil service, and positioned Nigeria as a principled voice for justice, unity, and Pan-Africanism on the global stage.

    Speaking on the significance of the milestone, the Chief Executive Officer of Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, said the commemoration is designed not only to honour the past but to inspire the future.

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    “Fifty years on, General Murtala Muhammed remains a moral compass for leadership in Africa. His courage, clarity of purpose, intolerance for corruption, and unwavering belief in national unity are values Nigeria needs now more than ever.

    “This anniversary is not just a remembrance; it is a call to action for the new generation of leaders to govern with integrity, patriotism, and courage,” she stated.

    The commemorative activities will begin on Monday, February 2, with a Legacy Art Exhibition at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, running through February 28. The exhibition will showcase General Muhammed’s life, leadership philosophy, and enduring influence through visual art, archival materials, and contemporary interpretations, offering a reflective lens into his values of discipline, service, unity, and national purpose.

    On February 5, Lagos will host a Strategic Policy Workshop in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). The session will focus on General Muhammed’s role in redefining Nigeria’s foreign policy, particularly his principled Pan-African stance and commitment to African liberation and solidarity.

    Remembrance activities will continue on February 6 with an official wreath-laying ceremony in Lagos, followed by a special Juma‘at prayer and graveside observance in Kano. A welcome reception and commemorative dinner will be held on February 11, celebrating defining moments of General Muhammed’s leadership and ideals.

    On February 12, Abuja will host an International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference, which will bring together global and local thought leaders to examine General Muhammed’s leadership philosophy, anti-corruption drive, and vision for a just, disciplined, and self-reliant Nigeria.

    The anniversary date, February 13, will be marked by solemn events in Abuja, including a wreath-laying ceremony, commemorative Juma‘at prayer, an Anti-Corruption Day, and a National Moment of Silence observed across the country.

    The commemorations will conclude on February 15 with an interdenominational thanksgiving service, reflecting General Muhammed’s commitment to national unity across faiths and communities.

    Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode stressed that the programmes reflect the enduring relevance of General Muhammed’s ideals in today’s Nigeria.

    “General Muhammed believed deeply in the dignity of public service, decisive leadership and national renewal. Through these activities, we are ensuring that his vision continues to inspire future generations to serve with integrity, patriotism, and purpose,” she added.

    The Murtala Muhammed Foundation invites Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, international partners, civil society, and the media to participate in the commemorative activities and join in celebrating a leader whose vision continues to inspire courage, accountability, and renewed sense of national purpose.

  • Yusuf gets NNPP’s green light to defect

    Yusuf gets NNPP’s green light to defect

    • Party asks for resignation letter

    The factional Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Mas’ud Eljibril, has urged Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to formally notify the “legally recognised” NNPP in writing before he joins the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The court ruled last year that the faction, which uses a basket with fruits as its logo and is chaired in the state by Senator Eljibril, is the authentic NNPP.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Kano, Eljibril presented several court judgments to buttress his position.

    The factional chairman described his faction as the authentic NNPP, and Governor Yusuf as a bona fide member of his faction.

    “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is still a bona fide member of the NNPP that has a basket with fruits as its logo.

    “Secondly, we are calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect the judgments of all the courts that were delivered last year on this issue.

    “Lastly, I want to reaffirm that Abba Kabir Yusuf is still a member of the NNPP, and we owe him respect. But if he wants to leave, he has the legal right to leave, but he has to formally tender his resignation to the party, which we are yet to receive formally.

    “We are still waiting for his formal resignation from our party. To be a member of any political party is an individual decision.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu in closed-door meeting with Kano Governor, Yusuf

     If he decides to leave the party, it’s his choice, but he has to do that according to the rules and regulations to the party,” Eljibril stated.

    The factional NNPP urged the INEC to also respect the court rulings.

    The party threatens that: “Ignoring this requirement will have future legal consequences, especially if a Supreme Court decision later confirms this legitimacy.”

    The rival NNPP faction that uses books as its logo, on the other hand, is facing its internal battle that has led to the emergence of two state chairmen.

    As a consequence of the deepening crisis over Governor Yusuf’s defection to APC, the former NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa –a pro-Kwankwaso was sacked at the prompting of the governor, who swiftly appointed Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as replacement.

  • Awujale stool: Govt halts selection process

    Awujale stool: Govt halts selection process

    Armed security operatives drawn from the Police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun and So-Safe Corps yesterday beefed up security along Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway, leading to the Ijebu-Ode palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland, over concerns that some powerful interests planned to infiltrate the meeting of the kingmakers in a location within the facility and foist a candidate on them.

    The Fusengbuwa Ruling House leaders – Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori- Ebi), Prof. Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman) and others had on Monday submitted the list bearing names of the 95 nominees (candidates) to the kingmakers, who were expected to meet at the palace to begin the process of selecting one candidate out of the 95 nominees, but security operatives were sighted manning the entrance.

    However, a letter by the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, dated January 20, 2026 directed the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to halt further steps on the selection process until further notice, for the second time.

    “The state government hereby directs that you convey this decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House immediately. The latter particularly, should be advised to await further directives regarding the selection process,” the letter read in part.

    Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, who signed the letter and addressed it to Ijebu Ode Local Government chairman, cited security concern and the need to protect public order and the integrity of the stool as reasons for the decision.

    “The state government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process. In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time,” he said.

    Read Also:BREAKING: Ogun again stops kingmakers from process of selecting Awujale 

    The Nation reports that a prince already endorsed by the Oracle (Ifa) as the best candidate to succeed the late Oba Sikiru Adetona and transform Ijebuland to a greater height was among the 95 nominees that emerged recently in the race for the throne of Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Otunba Owoyemi said after the conclusion of the nomination process at Bisirodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, it is hoped the kingmakers and Ogun State Government will select one candidate among the nominees that aligns with the yearnings of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, their ancestors and Almighty God, as revealed by the Oracle (Ifa).

    The Nation reports that Princess Oluwakemi Adetokunboh, Prince Adebisi Kadiri, a retired permanent secretary, Lagos State, Prince Abdul – Fatai Arowolo of Aeron Construction, an engineering firm, Prince Olumuyiwa Adeyemi, Prince Okeowo Obafemi and Prince Adegbenga Bakare were among the 95 nominees jostling to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Owoyemi, who is Otunba Jadiara of Ijebuland and former president of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), said the royal family had carried out extensive traditional research to arrive at a decision to support one candidate among the 95, who he declined to name.

    The list bearing names of the 95 nominees was endorsed by the quartet of Olori-Ebi Fusengbuwa House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi; his Deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf and Pastor Bolarinde Salami (Secretary of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House), while the nomination process had in attendance officials of Ijebu Ode Local Government led by the Secretary to Local Government, Adebanjo Oke, as observers.

    Describing the nomination process as civil, peaceful and successful, he said it was a win – win situation for every member of the family, even as he expressed optimism that in the next one month a new Awujale would be installed, ruling out the possibility of litigations, ‘’as all candidates have signed undertakings not to challenge the outcome of the selection process in court.’’

  • DSS invites nominees for profiling

    DSS invites nominees for profiling

    • We won’t tolerate imposition of candidate, kingmakers vow

    The Department of State Service (DSS), Ogun State Command, has summoned the nominees for the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland to appear before it for screening.

    One of the nominees told The Nation that they were summoned to appear before the DSS office in Ijebu Ode yesterday when they ought to be at the palace same day and time.

    The Nation sighted a good number of the nominees entering the secret police office located at Igbeba GRA, opposite the NTA office Ijebu – Ode.

    A source close to the operatives of the DSS said the agency invitation was for the purpose of profiling the nominees.

    The source said: “Those individuals, who were reportedly needed by the Fusengbuwa Family, were expected to participate in the process. They are presently at the palace for screening by the kingmakers, and I hope this is well understood.

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    “It is important to clarify that the exercise was not placed on hold by the DSS or any security agency. Rather, the state government, through an official circular already in the public domain, directed that the exercise be suspended.

    “You should also be aware that prior to the postponement of the screening of nominees by the kingmakers, the nominees were expected to visit the DSS office for profiling. This profiling is a prerequisite for comprehensive vetting and involves filling out forms that provide information necessary to vet all communities involved.

    “The nominees were scheduled to come to the DSS office after the palace screening. The exercise was planned to run over several days until all nominees were covered. Invitations were duly sent to them through the Palace Secretary, requesting them to report to the DSS office for the profiling exercise.

    “However, while the nominees were preparing to come, another circular was issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs suspending all activities related to the Awujale succession. The circular, which is also in the public domain, cited several grounds necessitating government intervention.

    “Consequently, the DSS has decided to suspend the planned vetting as well. This explains why some of the nominees were seen around without the exercise proceeding.

    “It is important to stress that the DSS should not be associated with any misinformation. Any report or public communication should clearly reflect that the suspension was a government decision, not an action initiated by the DSS. Misrepresenting this can lead to serious consequences.

    “We are not attempting to control anyone’s narrative or suppress information. Our only concern is accuracy and the avoidance of misinformation. As professionals, once clarification is provided, it is expected to be respected.

    “In summary, the stoppage of the exercise was a government decision, not one taken by the DSS and there is no intention to gag the press or restrict lawful reporting—only to ensure that facts are correctly presented to the public.”

    The kingmakers of the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland yesterday declared that they would not tolerate imposition of candidate on them or the Fusengbuwa Ruling House by any person or quarters, stressing that members had been having sleepless nights to ensure the best nominee emerged as the next Awujale.

    The Regent of the Awujale of Ijebuland and Ogbeni Oja, Chief Sunny Kuku, who made this known while fielding questions from reporters in the presence of other kingmakers at his Igbeba GRA private residence in Ijebu Ode, said they were sieving through heaps of documents pertaining to the Awujale nominees when they received notification stopping the selection process by the Ogun State Government.

    Kuku, who is both the head of the kingmakers and Awujale Interregnum chairman, said consultations with the appropriate authorities had begun to ensure the process resumed again, emphasising that not just the Ijebu people, but the public were anxiously waiting to see a new Awujale.

  • Lagos to transform Obalende under bridge

    Lagos to transform Obalende under bridge

    The call for a more environmental-friendly Lagos city is receiving attention, as the state government has made good its plan by clearing Obalende motor park and its environs, to make for a greener and sustainable city.

    Recall that Obalende round about and its surrounding have become an environmental nuisance, with attendant criminal activities that led the government to assess and ensure its cleanliness in a sustainable manner.

    During a visit with stakeholders for the redevelopment yesterday, Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, told The Nation that the visit was aimed at ejecting squatters and stopping activities inimical to a healthy and sustainable environment.

    “Now we have successfully pushed them out, as we want to finally and formally hand over the space to one of the biggest corporate bodies in the country, who is taking up the space as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), to redesign, clean in a sustainable and environmental manner.

    “The handover process is what we’ve just started today. The corporate body is aware since 2024, as we have the approval from the state government already.

    “The delay was because we had to do a lot of back and forth with the corporate body with respect to an environmentally-sustainable design that is suitable for them as a CSR,” Wahab said.

    On how it would work, he said the corporate body would be the one that would build and maintain the place afterwards.

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    On where the community at the erstwhile Obalende motor park would relocate to, he said there were two sides to it.

    He said the place was designated as a motor park, but it later metamorphosed into a permanent living place and market for people where criminal activities were carried out, adding that government had decided to put a stop to it.

    He asked if the people under the bridge obtained permission from the government to live and operate their illegal businesses, thus facilitating criminal activities. Wahab said: “Obalende is supposed to be a garage. The garage is still part of the design that is coming up. There will be public toilets in a sustainable manner. There will be sleeping bays, a part of the design will be a recharge for CNG vehicles and all that.

    “So, we’re just redesigning the place in a sustainable manner, which Lagosians will be proud of and happy about. Why don’t we remove a bit of emotion from this and do the right thing? We went there, we saw people smoking in the morning. So what do you think they will do at night?  Let’s put this thing in the proper context.  We just want to redesign the place and make it habitable and functional for a 21st century economy and a state like Lagos.’’

    On how soon the project will begin and the deadline, the commissioner says once the park is handed over to the corporate body, the government will start following up, adding that later the design will be showcased for all to see.

    ‘’The idea is for the state government to take up informal places and redevelop them for the greater good. We are also working with Lagos Island Local Government to take up Oja Oba under bridge, which has become a nightmare for road users. We are working with their design to achieve this.

    ‘’Greens will be planted at Obalande Park, its surroundings and also on Lagos Island. We want Lagosians to breathe fresh air and live healthily while doing their lawful businesses. For instance, the one at Osborne is being used now for football. The idea is to put our open places to good use.’’

    Speaking on Ilubirin where the informal places were seen accommodating several activities, he said: “We have just asked that a drone shot be made to capture all activities going on there, because from what l saw, there are a lot of activities going on there that are illegitimate, but the desire of government is to put the place to proper use.”

    Speaking on the GNI building that was gutted by fire, with some people dying, he lamented that a lot of traders have started occupying streets to sell goods.

    He warned that street trading remains illegal and that the state is working on how to manage the situation.

  • ‘Why Auxiliary couldn’t attend court on Tuesday’

    ‘Why Auxiliary couldn’t attend court on Tuesday’

    A medical doctor attached to Agodi custodian facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Dr Wasiu Adeyemi, yesterday explained why a former chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, also known as Auxiliary, was absent for his case on Tuesday.

    He said Auxiliary was rushed out of court because he was feeling dizzy.

    Adeyemi made the remarks while appearing before Justice Adetujoye, presiding over Court 11, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, yesterday.

    The Nation reports that the judge had on Tuesday summoned the medical doctor to appear before it to give the true situation about the health status of the former chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), after he was rushed out of the court before his case which had been adjourned for continuation of hearing on January 20 and 21, 2026 would come up.

    The Nation reports that while waiting for the court to resume on Tuesday, things took a different turn for Auxiliary who had been in court earlier, as it was noticed that the Correctional Centre officers who brought him in the morning and some people gathered around him, with snippets filtering around that the former PMS boss was not feeling too well.

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    However, the situation in court was a bit calmer yesterday during the session as the matter came up around 11am.

    Auxiliary was again brought to court by the officials of the correctional facility, but was not docked.

    Speaking before the court when called, Dr Adeyemi said the former PMS boss would need up to a month to recuperate and recover well.

    Ruling, the court adjourned the case till March 4 and 5 for continuation of hearing.

    The state prosecutor was led by O. S. Tella, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, O. A. Bolarinwa, Senior State Counsel and F. F. Gbadamosi.

    Defence (Auxiliary’s) counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, was not in court, but was represented by one of his counsel.

  • Sanwo-Olu urges Badagry residents to uphold Oba Akran’s legacy

    Sanwo-Olu urges Badagry residents to uphold Oba Akran’s legacy

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged the people of Badagry to uphold the legacy of the late Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi 1.

    He made the appeal yesterday while addressing the crowd at the Akran’s palace in Badagry, Lagos State, during the nine-day funeral rites of the late traditional ruler.

    According to him, Akran stood for togetherness, unity and peace among his people.

    “He stood for tradition and the rich cultural heritage that Badagry is known for.

    “I want to advise the people of Badagry and Lagos to emulate the legacy the late monarch stood for, so that peace will continue to reign in the town,” he said.

    He also reiterated his commitment to the long-overdue renovation of the Akran palace, promising that construction would begin soon.

    “We will start the construction of the long-promised central palace. “The construction of the palace was stalled due to discrepancies in the selected locations and sites for the palace,” he said.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu promises consolidation of gains

    However, he stated that the matter has been settled, with approvals and budgets now in place.

    He assured Badagry residents that work on the second phase of the Market General Hospital Road to Ajido would begin soon.

    The governor eulogised the late traditional ruler, noting that his 49-year reign had been impactful, leaving behind a legacy for the people to cherish and build upon.

    Babatunde Hunpe, chairman of Badagry Local Government, described the late Akran as a unifying figure, embodying peace, wisdom and cultural pride – more than just a traditional ruler.

    “Throughout his reign, he stood firmly as a custodian of our rich heritage, a father to all, and a bridge between tradition and modern governance.’’

    Hunpe commended Sanwo-Olu for attending the prayer session.

  • Moves to undermine Tinubu’s re-election will fail, says APC chieftain

    Moves to undermine Tinubu’s re-election will fail, says APC chieftain

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Chief Suffy Uguoji, has declared that schemes to frustrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid are doomed to fail. He described them as unrealistic, driven by personal ambitions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    In a statement, Uguoji said ADC’s prominent figures were more focused on grabbing the party’s presidential ticket than building a cohesive opposition.

    ‘’Attempts by southern politicians—allegedly backed by northern interests—to block Tinubu’s second term lack credibility and are collapsing under internal rivalries ahead of the ADC’s presidential primary.

    “Those pushing this agenda underestimate the political consequences,” Uguoji said.

    “Any attempt to short-change the Southwest will be resisted. Fortunately, these plots are failing due to lack of unity.”

    He said denying Tinubu a full eight-year tenure would be unjust, especially after former President Muhammadu Buhari completed his without Southwest’s resistance.

    Read Also: Southern Kaduna APC group backs Tinubu, Sani

    ‘’Equity demands Tinubu finish his term,’’ he added, urging 2027 aspirants to wait until 2031 for national stability.

    Ugoji hailed Tinubu’s economic reforms as bold and effective, citing falling staple food prices.

    These gains, he said, had reshaped the political terrain, disadvantaging opposition parties.

    He dismissed ADC’s social media buzz as disconnected from grassroots realities, predicting crises if its primary election sidelined aspirants like Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi—fracturing the party and sealing Tinubu’s victory.

    On APC preparations, Uguoji highlighted nationwide mobilisation by pro-Tinubu groups like the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), led by Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla.

    ‘’Structures linked to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, are also in place across Ondo State, from wards to polling units.

    With strong performance, organisation and opposition disunity, Tinubu’s re-election is secure,’’ he insisted.

  • AbdulRazaq suspends Rector

    AbdulRazaq suspends Rector

    Kwara State Government has suspended the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, over Tuesday’s protest by the students

    The government announced a three-person panel to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the protest.

    The committee is headed by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Sulyman. Other members are Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge and Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Dr. Mrs Mercy Shittu.

    The committee has two weeks to submit its report to the governor, while their terms of reference are: (1) to look at the remote and immediate causes of the protest and handling of same; (2) recommend ways to prevent such things in future; (3) make further recommendations on the growth of the school.

    Tertiary Education Commissioner Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu signed the statement.

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    The state had earlier shut the polytechnic over protest by some students of the institution.

    It was gathered that scores of students of the polytechnic protested over disagreement with the school authorities on continued use of the school for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp.

    The state government had in the wake of insecurity in parts of the state temporarily relocated the NYSC Orientation Camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to the institution.

    The school had granted students a three-week break effective Monday, January 19, 2026 to facilitate successful conduct of the NYSC orientation camp.

    The aim is to manage the situation and prevent any breach of law and order.

    But, the directive did not go down well, on the grounds that they have just resumed from Christmas/New year break.

    The development resulted in tension that necessitated police intervention.

    The police were initially asked to disperse the crowd at the polytechnic’s main gate, it was gathered.

    Unfortunately, some officers went beyond their mandate by throwing tear gas canisters into the polytechnic premises, including student hostels.

    This action adversely affected several students and workers, including the polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer who sustained injury. 

    A statement by the acting registrar of the school, AbdulHafis Amin, recalled that the state government had earlier designated Kwarapoly as the temporary orientation camp for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) due to prevailing security challenges in the state.

    “During the first camp exercise, students were on break, and during the second, students had not fully resumed. However, for the current exercise, students are fully in session. 

    “To manage the situation and prevent any breach of law and order, the management granted students a three-week break effective Monday, 19th January, 2026 to facilitate the successful conduct of the NYSC orientation camp. 

    “Regrettably, some students reacted negatively to this directive, on the grounds that they have just resumed from Christmas/New year break.

    “This resulted in tension that necessitated police intervention. The police were initially tasked with dispersing the crowd at the polytechnic’s main gate.

    “Unfortunately, some officers went beyond their mandate by throwing tear gas canisters into the polytechnic premises, including student hostels.

    “This action adversely affected several students and staff, including Polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer who sustained injury. 

    “Consequently, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the State, Mall. Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq has directed the closure of the Polytechnic to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the entire Polytechnic community.

    “The management, therefore, calls on all students, staff, and stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative as we continue to engage with the relevant authorities to resolve this matter amicably and swiftly,” the statement added.